BLOOD CANCER
Blood is made up of different types of cells that are made in the centre of bones, in a part called the bone marrow. Most blood cancers arise from the white blood cells or their precursors.
Updated : October 17, 2023 6:01 PM IST
Blood is made up of different types of cells that are made in the centre of bones, in a part called the bone marrow. Most blood cancers arise from the white blood cells or their precursors.
Blood cancer, also known as haematological malignancy, occurs when the normal blood cells in the blood or bone marrow are replaced by abnormal blood cells, which proliferate uncontrollably and interfere with the functioning of the normal blood.
Leukaemia starts in the bone marrow or blood. When people have leukaemia, their bone marrow makes abnormal blood cells instead of normal ones. There are different types of leukaemia.
Feeling tired and weak, bleeding more quickly than usual, getting sick from infections more rapidly, persistent fever. There is no screening test for blood cancer; if anyone has the symptoms suggesting blood cancer, please consult your physician or oncologist. Fortunately, most blood cancers are curable, so do not hesitate to take treatment if diagnosed.
Mutations inherited from parents are transferred to their offspring. For instance, a mutation in the APC gene might significantly raise the chance of developing some cancers, such as ovarian cancer. Sharing one's family medical history with a doctor could help determine whether genetic testing is necessary. This type of testing can reveal hereditary mutations that require heightened monitoring, lifestyle modifications, or preventive surgery.
Advancing age, smoking, exposure to industrial chemicals like benzene, herbicides, pesticides, infection with Epstein-Barr virus, HIV, congenital genetic syndromes like Down syndrome, neurofibromatosis, ataxia telangiectasia, bloom syndrome, radiation exposure and immunosuppression
Blood cancers are usually suspected when a person complains of weakness, fatigue, persistent fever, spontaneous bleeding or bruising, swollen lymph nodes or bone pains. Thorough clinical evaluation and a simple blood test like a hemogram can confirm or rule out blood cancer.